Burnham ‘weighs U-turn on releasing PC Harper’s killers’ after devastated widow slammed PM over planned early release

ANDY Burnham is considering a dramatic U-turn by blocking the release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers, it emerged last night. The PM is preparing to “explore every option” to keep Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers in prison despite previously saying he was powerless to stop their release, a government source said. PC Andrew Harper and his wife, Lissie Credit: PA The widow has said it is “deplorable” that two of his killers are being considered for early release Credit: PA Downing Street has been approached for comment following reports of the move. Ministers plan to release 5,000 offenders from prison starting in October as part of plans to reduce jail overcrowding. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The decision to allow them to be eligible for release has sparked public outcry with nearly 700,000 people signing a petition against the move. A final decision has yet to be made but Whitehall officials are looking at a special exemption for the pair who killed the hero cop, The Telegraph reported last night. read more on early release Albert Bowers (left) and Jessie Cole (centre) leaving Reading Magistrates Court Credit: PA Henry Long, Jessie Cole and Albert Bowers Credit: PA A targeted exemption was previously thought to be unlawful. Another option would be to free up prison places so when the two men are due to be released – expected in January – those convicted of manslaughter would remain in prison. Possibilities include sending foreign offenders back to their home country or allowing more men to serve in women’s prisons. The PM expressed his frustration that he could only block the release of those serving time for rape, serious child sex offences and grooming convictions. Most read in The Sun He said: “The truth is I wanted to go even further. I know there will be concerns about who will still be released early for other offences.” Matthew Barber, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Thames Valley, said the possible move was “welcome news”. This comes after PC Harper’s widow, Lissie Harper, told Mr Burnham: “You should be ashamed.” She described the planned early release of two of his killers as a “punch in the gut”. The petition has already soared past 100,000 signatures after it was posted earlier on Tuesday Credit: PA Petition to stop the early release from jail of PC Andrew Harper's killers Aileen O'Connor, Thames Valley Police Federation Chair, has launched a petition demanding a stop to the early release of PC Harper's killers. The petition has already soared past 100,000 signatures after it was posted earlier on Tuesday. Hundreds more have taken to the comments to show their support after the Government’s decision on PC Harper’s killers sparked outrage across the country. O’Connor said in the petition that she was “absolutely outraged” at both the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, and Justice Secretary. She challenged them to “explain why those responsible for killing a police officer should still be eligible for early release”. The decision, she said, “is an insult to Andrew’s family, his friends, his colleagues and the entire policing family”. O’Connor added they have watched a “justice system that they trusted” fail to recognise the sacrifices made by those who “serve and protect the public”. It sends a “deeply troubling message” about the value the Government places on people who have made those sacrifices, she continued. O’Connor concluded with a defiant message, saying: “I will not stand by while the voices of Andrew’s family, his colleagues and police officers across this country continue to be ignored.” To sign the petition click here. And she has thrown her weight behind an online Thames Valley Police Federation petition to stop his killers being freed, which more than 400,000 people had signed on Wednesday evening. PC Harper died while investigating the theft of a £10,000 quad bike near Sulhamstead, Berks, in August 2019. Bowers and Cole, then 17, tried to escape in a car driven by Henry Long, 18. The 28-year-old officer’s ankles got caught in a heavy-duty tow strap and he suffered ­catastrophic ­injuries as he was dragged in the dark for more than a mile at an average 43mph. Bowers and Cole were sentenced to 13 years in July 2020, meaning they could be released by October. Long, the main perpetrator, who pleaded guilty, got 16 years and is not eligible for release under the scheme. Bowers and Cole were sentenced to 13 years in July 2020 Credit: PA Andy Burnham is considering a dramatic U-turn over the release of the killers Credit: Crown Copyright Lissie, who had married PC Harper just four weeks before the tragedy, said: “Hopefully we can make the current Government come to their senses and realise we cannot put people like this back on our streets. “Justice should mean justice and serving the sentence given. “The Government has punched us in the gut . . . they should be ashamed of themselves.” Lissie, of Wallingford, Oxfordshire, said: “Please sign our petition . . . we will never give up.” The detective who led the probe into PC Harper’s death and put his killers behind bars has said he is “appalled” the pair could be freed early. Ex-Det Supt Stuart Blaik spoke of his fury at plans to release Albert Bowers and Jessie Cole, who showed “no remorse” for their role in the killing. Speaking on BBC Breakfast, he said: “Neither of them showed any remorse during their time in police custody or during their subsequent trial. “I hope the Government takes account of the strength of public feeling on this issue, which has been both clear and widespread. “I just really don’t understand why the Early Release Scheme is being used in these sort of circumstances, it just doesn’t feel right.” Mr Blaik, who left the force in 2023, told how the smirking killers showed “no remorse whatsoever” throughout legal proceedings. Comment now